The education franchise system is recognized for excellence in franchising

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 23, 2014) - UCMAS Mental Math, provider of the leading North American educational program in Abacus and Mental Math for children, is the recipient of the 2014 Franchisees' Choice Designation Award. The prestigious award was announced at the Gala Awards Presentation at the 23rd Annual Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) National Convention in Niagara Falls, Ontario on April 7, 2014. This marks the fourth year for the annual Franchisees' Choice designation program, and UCMAS has won it consecutively in all the four years!

The UCMAS program is a child development program based on Mental Math and the Abacus that stimulates whole brain development in children aged 4-13. Along with strengthening math skills, the UCMAS program also establishes key building blocks in a child's development such as memory, concentration, creativity and problem solving - core skills that inspire greater confidence and academic achievement. Over two million children worldwide have been trained in UCMAS.

The Franchisees' Choice designees are CFA member franchise systems who participated in an independently-administered survey. Franchisees were asked to assess their franchisor in key areas of the franchise business model, including the franchisee selection process; franchisee Information package; leadership; business planning and marketing; training and support; ongoing operations; and the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee.

"We are thrilled to receive this award for the fourth year in a row," says Anand Karia, President & CEO, UCMAS Mental Math Schools. "Winning this award is extra special for us, because we have always known that our Abacus based program for children is one of the strongest and best tools for children. However, this award is given to us for Franchisee Satisfaction, which is very gratifying. We are privileged and proud by the trust our franchisees have placed in us and by the growth they have experienced in the business."

In the due diligence process of investigating a franchise opportunity, speaking with existing franchisees about the opportunity being explored is essential. For prospective franchisees, the Franchisees' Choice designation identifies that a franchise brand has received solid endorsement and ratings from its franchisees.

"The true strength of a franchise system lies in the mutually-rewarding relationship between a franchisor and its franchisees," says Lorraine McLachlan, CFA President and Chief Executive Officer. "Being a Franchisees' Choice designee is an honour and a vote of confidence because the high rankings in franchisee satisfaction come directly from the franchisees themselves".

About UCMAS Canada Inc.:

UCMAS Canada Inc. offers the UCMAS (Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System) Mental Math program for children aged 4 to 13 through 50 centres located in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. UCMAS is the leading provider of Mental Math and Abacus education in North America. Established in Canada in 2004, it was pioneered in 1993 in Asia and has since grown to 5,500 centres worldwide in countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Spain, Australia, India, China and Malaysia. The UCMAS program helps boost brainpower by teaching kids to perform mental math using the abacus in a way that children find engaging and fun. Described as "Mental Aerobics", the UCMAS program improves the child's focus, creativity and memory, leads to proficiency in math and enhances overall academic achievement. For more information visit www.ucmas.ca or call 1-866-UCMAS-90.